Why rabbits need companionship and appropriate housing to achieve good welfare as companion animals.
Rabbit welfare in companion settings is severely compromised by housing that reflects old assumptions about their needs. Rabbits in small hutches without companions, unable to run, jump, and engage in natural behavior, develop chronic stress, obesity, dental disease, and behavioral problems. The shift to welfare-compliant housing requires changing consumer purchasing habits, retail standards, and public education about rabbit behavioral needs. The RWAF and similar organizations have developed evidence-based housing guides that dramatically improve companion rabbit welfare.